Confusing diagram of a rotating coil in a magnetic field

In summary: So from Faraday's Law, we can calculate the emf as$$\mathcal{E}=-\dot{\Phi}=-N B \omega \sin(\omega t).$$In summary, the diagram seems to depict a problem with Faraday's Law.
  • #1
Grizzly_1
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TL;DR Summary
The coil diagram provided seems to contradict itself in the next diagram.
Hello all, I am currently studying for a physics a-level qualification in the UK, I use the AQA specification and I am having trouble understanding this image representing a scenario I found in my textbook. The first image in the three part diagram shows this rotating coil and to me, it makes absolutely no sense how from that image, you arrive at the side view in the second picture (I understand the physics of the side view image). Is this a poorly drawn diagram? or am I missing something? As to me it appears that not only is the coil at an angle to the field but also the axis itself is at an angle to the field, wouldn't this fundamentally change how the magnetic field interacted with it? How can the first image turn into the second if the axis isn't aligned at pi/2 rads to the magnetic field?
Any guidance on this is much appreciated, I am thoroughly confused.

Physicsbook1.jpg
 
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  • #2
2 ideas about this - either they drew the first one as an isometric drawing to "look" 3d.

or the axis really is at an angle, but when you look at the 2nd drawing, you are looking down the axis, and seeing a cross section of the B lines.
 
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  • #3
scottdave said:
2 ideas about this - either they drew the first one as an isometric drawing to "look" 3d.

or the axis really is at an angle, but when you look at the 2nd drawing, you are looking down the axis, and seeing a cross section of the B lines.
But if the axis really was at an angle, wouldn't this mean that the flux is always hitting at an angle? Surely that means the 2nd drawing is slightly wrong at least.

Thanks for replying!
 
  • #4
Grizzly_1 said:
Is this a poorly drawn diagram?
scottdave said:
either they drew the first one as an isometric drawing to "look" 3d.
This^^^

I think the first drawing is a poor representation of the problem, and I would base my calculations on the 2nd drawing.
 
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  • #5
Formulae are much more accurate than any picture and sometimes easier to understand. I guess what they mean to depict is that there is a (for simplicity homogeneous) magnetic field, ##\vec{B}=B \vec{e}_3##, and a rectangular coil with ##N## windings rotating around a perpendicular axis, say the 1-axis, i.e., it's ##\vec{\omega}=\omega \vec{e}_1##. Let's assume the loop is initially oriented such that the rectangle is in the 12-plane. Then the surface-normal vector is given by ##\vec{n}=(0,\sin(\omega t),\cos(\omega t)##.

Unfortunately I cannot read the scanned book page well. I guess what they plot is the emf. So let's calculate the emf. from Faraday's Law. It's given by ##\mathcal{E}=-\dot{\Phi}##, where ##\Phi## is the flux of the magnetic field through the surface. Let ##a## and ##b## the lengths of the sides of the rectangular ##N##-fold loop. Then
$$\Phi=N \vec{B} \cdot a b \vec{n} =a b N B \cos(\omega t) \; \Rightarrow \; \mathcal{E}=-\dot{\Phi}= a b B N \omega \sin(\omega t).$$
 
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FAQ: Confusing diagram of a rotating coil in a magnetic field

What is the principle behind a rotating coil in a magnetic field?

The principle behind a rotating coil in a magnetic field is electromagnetic induction. When a coil rotates in a magnetic field, the magnetic flux through the coil changes over time. According to Faraday's Law of Electromagnetic Induction, this change in magnetic flux induces an electromotive force (EMF) or voltage in the coil.

How does the orientation of the coil affect the induced EMF?

The induced EMF depends on the angle between the magnetic field and the normal to the plane of the coil. When the coil is perpendicular to the magnetic field, the rate of change of magnetic flux is maximum, resulting in the maximum induced EMF. Conversely, when the coil is parallel to the magnetic field, the rate of change of magnetic flux is zero, resulting in no induced EMF.

Why do we use sinusoidal functions to describe the induced EMF?

We use sinusoidal functions to describe the induced EMF because the rotation of the coil in the magnetic field is typically uniform and periodic. As the coil rotates, the change in magnetic flux follows a sinusoidal pattern, leading to a sinusoidal variation in the induced EMF over time. This is mathematically expressed as a sine or cosine function.

What factors influence the magnitude of the induced EMF?

The magnitude of the induced EMF is influenced by several factors: the number of turns in the coil, the strength of the magnetic field, the area of the coil, and the angular velocity of the coil's rotation. According to Faraday's Law, the induced EMF is directly proportional to the rate of change of magnetic flux, which depends on these factors.

How can we determine the direction of the induced current in the coil?

The direction of the induced current in the coil can be determined using Lenz's Law, which states that the induced current will flow in a direction that opposes the change in magnetic flux that caused it. Additionally, the right-hand rule can be used: if you point the thumb of your right hand in the direction of the coil's rotation and your fingers in the direction of the magnetic field, your palm will face the direction of the induced current.

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